Hottest day of summer possible today

Forecast: Ashland likely to hit at least 103 degrees

Ashland will sizzle under triple-digit temperatures today and tomorrow as a high-pressure weather pattern brings some of the hottest days so far this summer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service said this morning.

Ashland will sizzle under triple-digit temperatures today and tomorrow as a high-pressure weather pattern brings some of the hottest days so far this summer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service said this morning.

"Today is probably going to be the hottest day of the week," said Marc Spilde, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service's Medford Office.

Early forecasts called for a high temperature of 103 degrees — well above the average July high of 88 — but Spilde said weather models this morning were showing it could get even hotter today.

"Ashland could be 105 or 106," he said. "But in any case, it doesn't really make any difference, because it's going to be hot regardless and people should be taking the necessary precautions to keep themselves cool."

The record high for July 28 in Ashland is 106 degrees and was set in 1998, according to the National Weather Service.

Monday brought the highest temperature so far this year: 103 degrees, Spilde said. The National Weather Service's thermometer is located at the city's Wastewater Treatment Plant on Oak Street.

Temperatures are forecasted to drop slightly on Wednesday, as the ridge of high pressure begins to break down, bringing a high of 102 degrees. On Thursday and Friday, temperatures should remain in the mid to high 90s, Spilde said.

"Temperatures are not going to be quite as hot, but it'll still be hot," he said.

The National Weather Service is urging people to stay hydrated and avoid exercising outside in the afternoon and early evening.

Temperatures will drop at night, staying between about 55 and 70 degrees, meteorologists said.